1. Introduction to Sports Medicine

2. Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
Certified athletic trainers (ATCs)
are unique health care
providers who specialize
in the prevention,
assessment, treatment
and rehabilitation of
injuries and illnesses
that occur to athletes
and the physically active.

3. History
Sports Medicine and Athletic Training date back to ancient Rome
The first “athletic trainers” were actually physicians working with gladiators
The most famous was Herodicus of Megara
Roman Empire fell and interest in athletics declined
Early 1920’s Cramer family started a chemical company and began producing products to treat ankle sprains

4. Late 1930’s NATA was established, but ended with WWII
Between trainers organized themselves into regional conferences – would later become districts
Many early athletic trainers were team managers who taped ankles
Most were self taught and are responsible for a lot of techniques
1950 – NATA was officially formed
1991 AMA (American Medical Association) recognized athletic training as an allied health profession

5. What is the ‘NATA’ National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Professional Association for Athletic Trainers
44,000+ Members
18% of ATCs are employed in High Schools
4500+ College Students in Professional Education Programs
Involved in Development of Profession’s Accredited Education Programs
Based in Dallas, Texas

6. Athletic Training Domains
ATCs are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in 5 domains:
Prevention
Clinical Evaluation & Diagnosis
Immediate & Emergency Care
Treatment & Rehabilitation
Organization & Professional Health and Well Being

7. 8 Content Areas – Athletic Training Curriculum/Competencies
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
EBP Practioners incorporate the best available evidence, their clinical skills, and the needs of the patient to maximize patient outcomes.
Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP)
Develop and implement strategies to prevent incidence and/or severity of injuries and illnesses and optimize overall health and quality of life
Importance of nutrition and physical activity

8. Cont. Curriculum Clinical Examination and Diagnosis (CE)
ATCs must possess strong clinical examination skills in order to accurately diagnosis and effectively treat athletes
Development of these skills requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
Acute Care of Injuries and Illnesses (AC)
ATCs must be knowledgeable and skilled in the evaluation and immediate management of acute injuries and illnesses

9. Cont. Curriculum Therapeutic Interventions (TI)
Broad range of interventions, methods, techniques, equipment, activities using body movement and medications
Design to enhance function by identifying, remediating, and preventing impairments and functional limitations to maximize participation
Rehabilitation is used in a variety of settings.
Psychosocial Strategies and Referral (PS)
ATCs must be able to recognize abnormal social, emotional, and mental behaviors

10. Cont. Curriculum Healthcare Administration (HA)
The ability to intervene and refer
Optimize the connection between mental health and restoration of participation
Healthcare Administration (HA)
ATCs must have an understanding of risk management, healthcare delivery mechanisms, insurance, reimbursement, documentation, patient privacy, and facility management

11. Cont. Curriculum Professional Development and Responsibility (PD)
ATCs maintain current competence in the constant changing of the world of healthcare
Practice in the limits of state and national regulation using moral and ethical judgement
Work collaboratively with other healthcare providers and refer when warranted

12. Certification Requirements
BS or Masters in Athletic Training through a curriculum approved by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Successful completion of the NATA Board of Certification exam
Continuing Education Required to Maintain Certification
Licensed in majority of states

13. State Regulation
Athletic Training Profession is Regulated in Many States in an Effort to Protect the Public

14. Employment Settings for ATCs
Secondary schools
School districts
Colleges & universities
Professional sports
Sports medicine clinics
Corporate and Industrial settings
Military

15. Athletic Training Student Aide
ATSA – An “AIDE” vs “Student Athletic Trainer”
Must Work Under the Direction of an ATC
Opportunity to Become Involved in High School Activities
Gateway to Career Opportunities

16. Sports Medicine
A field that uses a holistic, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach to health care for those engaged in sports
Encompasses many specialized areas
Athletic Training is just one of those

17. Activity:
On a sheet of paper, without discussing it with anyone, list 5 different areas that might be considered “sports medicine” (You can not use Athletic Training)

18. Sports Medicine Team Must work cooperatively Consists of two parts
Central team
Peripheral team

19. The Central Team The athlete The athlete’s parent or guardian
The Team physician
Certified Athletic Trainer
Coach

20. The Peripheral Team Primary care physician Student assistant
Pediatrician
Cardiologist
Dentist
Sports Psychologist
Etc.

21. Roles of the Coach 1st responder
Should know basic conditioning procedures
Maintenance and fitting of protective equipment
Taping and wrapping techniques
1st aid
CPR/AED
Recognize injuries
Teach proper techniques for activity

22. Personal Qualities of an Athletic Trainer
Stamina and ability to adapt
Not 9-5
Extremely demanding
Burnout – exhaustion, don’t enjoy work
Empathy
Enter into feeling/spirit of another person – ability to sense distress
Sense of humor
Humor and wit help with relieving tension
Provide a relaxing atmosphere
Intellectual curiosity
Why????
Ethics
Conduct and integrity
1993 NATA established the Code of Ethics
5 principles

23. NATA Code Of Ethics
Members shall respect the rights, welfare, and dignity of all individuals
Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of athletic training
Members shall maintain and promote high standards in the provision of services
Members shall not engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest or that adversely reflects on the profession

24. Video http://vimeo.com/nata1950 http://vimeo.com/47253002
Day in the life: warrior athletic training program
Day in the life: Cirque du Soleil
Day in the life: Professional Bull Riding